Canada Centralizes Access to Product Safety Test Methods in New PSL Index

On 30 October 2025, Health Canada released a centralized online index of Product Safety Laboratory (PSL) test methods, which helps industry assess the safety and compliance of consumer products and cosmetics. Although the use of PSL methods is not mandatory, regulated parties remain fully responsible for ensuring that their products meet all requirements under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, the Food and Drugs Act, and their respective Regulations.

Purpose of the PSL Test Methods

The PSL develops and validates analytical and performance-based methods used to verify compliance with mandatory safety requirements. These methods are shared publicly to support manufacturers, importers, and distributors-particularly where a relevant standardized method is not referenced in regulation or has not yet been developed.

Where regulations do not prescribe a specific test method or testing parameters, companies may select validated procedures or equipment of their choice, provided they are appropriate for determining compliance.

How Industry Can Access These Methods

Test methods can be requested directly from Health Canada by completing the CPS Enquiry Form:

• Under Program, select Consumer Product Safety
• Under Enquiry Type, select Test Method Request

Each method includes an effective date used for version control, ensuring regulated parties reference the most current edition.

List of PSL Test Methods

Below is the full list of available PSL test methods currently published by Health Canada, including their effective dates:

Metals and Chemical Contaminants:

• Total Lead in Surface Coatings by ICP-OES (C02.2.2) - Effective 2024-11-27
• Total Lead & Cadmium in Plastic Products by ICP-OES (C02.3.1) - Effective 2021-02-22
• Total Lead & Cadmium in Metallic Products by ICP-OES (C02.4.1) - Effective 2019-03-15
• Total Metals in Cosmetics by Microwave Digestion & ICP-MS (C05) - Effective 2022-06-08
• Total Mercury in Coatings & Cosmetics by DMA 80 WR (C07) - Effective 2023-07-19
• Migratable Heavy Metals in Surface Coatings by ICP-OES (C08.1) - Effective 2022-10-18
• Leachable Lead in Kettles by ICP-MS (C09) - Effective 2024-09-27
• Migratable Lead & Cadmium from Glazed Ceramics/Glassware (C10.1) - Effective 2024-01-04
• α-Pinene, D-Limonene, α-Terpineol in Products by GC-MS (C11.1) - Effective 2020-07-08
• Ethylene Glycol & Di-Ethylene Glycol by GC-MS (C11.2) - Effective 2020-08-10

Product Formulation and Chemical Properties:

• pH of Cosmetics using PC-Titrate (C13.1) - Effective 2021-05-05
• Acid/Alkali Reserve by Titration (C14.2) - Effective 2020-06-29
• Kinematic Viscosity by Automatic Viscometer (C27) - Effective 2021-04-22
• Boric Acid in Toys by ICP-MS (C30) - Effective 2019-12-13
• Phthalates in PVC Products by GC/EI-MS (C34.3) - Effective 2025-01-24
• TCEP in Children's Products by ASE & GC-MS (C38.1) - Effective 2024-06-28
• para-Phenylenediamine in Cosmetics by GC-MS (C42) - Effective 2023-03-16

Flammability Testing:

• Flammability of Toys (F02) - Effective 2024-11-22
• Loose-Fitting Children's Sleepwear (F17) - Effective 2025-06-10
• Test Method for Lighters (F19) - Effective 2025-04-11
• Flame Projection & Flashback - Pressurized Containers (C23) - Effective 2021-05-13
• Flame Projection - Pump-Spray Containers (C23.1) - Effective 2021-05-13
• Flame Projection - Cosmetic Products (C23.2) - Effective 2021-05-13

Mechanical & Physical Hazards:

• Small Components (M00.1) - Effective 2024-02-26
• Sharp Edges (M00.2) - Effective 2025-01-24
• Sharp Points (M00.3) - Effective 2024-02-29
• Eye/Nose Security for Dolls & Plush Toys (M00.4) - Effective 2025-04-03
• Reasonably Foreseeable Use - Toys (M01.1) - Effective 2024-03-11
• Flexible Film Bags (M03) - Effective 2025-01-15
• Sound Level of Toys (M04) - Effective 2025-07-25
• Rattles (M05) - Effective 2024-04-29

Infant and Child Care Products:

• Playpens (M08) - Effective 2022-01-12
• Pacifiers & Similar Products (M09) - Effective 2025-07-11
• Cribs (M12.1) - Effective 2024-09-11
• Cradles (M12.2) - Effective 2023-12-28
• Bassinets (M12.3) - Effective 2023-12-28
• Accessories & Stands (M12.4) - Effective 2023-12-28

Other Consumer Product Categories

• Corded Window Coverings (M22) - Effective 2023-10-25

Key Takeaway for Industry

Manufacturers and importers should regularly review PSL updates to ensure that their testing programs align with the most current validated methodologies, especially for high-risk areas such as heavy metals, flammability, child safety, and cosmetic ingredients. Although PSL methods are optional, they offer a reliable benchmark for demonstrating due diligence and regulatory compliance in Canada.